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PREVIOUS ISSUE: Volume 16, Number 3, Nov 2012
PREVIOUS ISSUE: Vol. 16, No. 3, Nov 2012
The role of embodied awareness in mindfulness and bioenergetics: Nicoletta Cinotti
Operationalisation of Countertransference in Positive Psychotherapy: Maksim Goncharov
Relations of Resilience and Personal Meaning with Vicarious Traumatization in Psychotherapists: Jelena Želeskov-Đorić, Vladimir Hedrih & Predrag Đorić
On the Definition of Psychotherapy and Its Methodological Grounding: Alexander Filz & Oksana Lyzak
The struggle for legal recognition of the education of psychotherapy and an autonomous psychotherapy profession in Europe: Alfred Pritz
Love – a lost magical ingredient of effective psychotherapy: Urszula Wojciechowska Jaworska
Miłość – zaginiony, magiczny, składnik skutecznej psychoterapii: Urszula Wojciechowska Jaworska
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ABSTRACTS:
The role of embodied awareness in mindfulness and Bioenergetics: Nicoletta Cinotti
Embodied awareness is the ability to pay attention to ourselves by registering physical sensations, emotions and movements at the moment in which they take place and without the mediation of our narrative Self. In this paper, we'll explore the role of embodied awareness in Bioenergetic Analysis and in MBSR programs for reduction of stress, based on mindfulness
Key Words: Embodied Awareness, Mindfulness, Bioenergetic Analysis, Self Regulation, Interactive Regulation
This article is also published in its Italian mother-tongue.
Operationalisation of Countertransference in Positive Psychotherapy: Maksim Goncharov
Most examples of countertransference found in literature, refer to the perceived emotional reactions of the therapist, and unconscious components are considered in terms of transitory "blind spots", which may be worked through by gaining awareness of the emotional reactions. Previously, the term "countertransference", as psychoanalytic in origin, used primarily by psychoanalysts. However, now it is recognized by many schools of psychotherapy and applied much more widely.>
Today there are two opposite approaches to the concept of countertransference. The first approach can be called "classical." It is characterized by the concept of countertransference, regarded as an unconscious reaction of the psychoanalyst to the transference of the patient. The second approach is called "holistic». In it's light the countertransference is a common emotional reactions of the therapist to the patient in the treatment situation. Despite the fact that the concept of transference and countertransference is about 100 years, the operationalization of these phenomena remains largely insufficient.
In our work of the analysis of countertransference, we rely on the theoretical concepts borrowed from Positive Psychotherapy after Nossrat Peseschkian (1968). According to his concepts, there are four channels to investigate the reality: (1)By means of feelings (emotions, feelings);(2)By means of reason (thoughts, impulses); (3) By means of tradition (associations, memories);(4) By means of intuition (imagination, fears, expectations).
Key words: countertransference, operationalization, positive psychotherapy, balance model.
Relations of Resilience and Personal Meaning with Vicarious Traumatization in Psychotherapists: Jelena Želeskov-Đorić, Vladimir Hedrih & Predrag Đorić
This study investigated the relationship between resilience, personal meaning and vicarious traumatization in a sample of trauma therapists (N=68). Participants completed ARP (Adversity Response Profile), PMP (Personal Meaning Profile) and TABS (Trauma and Attachment Belief Scale). The results showed that both personal meaning and resilience level are negatively related to the vicarious traumatization level of a therapist. Personal meaning was found to mediate the relationship between resilience and vicarious traumatization. On the level of subscales, personal meaning of relationships with others was the sole most important predictor of resilience.
Keywords:personal meaning, vicarious traumatization, resilience, psychotherapists.
On the Definition of Psychotherapy and Its Methodological Grounding: Alexander Filz & Oksana Lyzak
The article contains analysis of different definitions of psychotherapy from a philosophical and methodological viewpoint, with a focus on the subject of psychotherapeutic cognition. A concise and operational definition for psychotherapy is proposed, as well as a related definition of human identity.
Key Words:psychotherapy, definition of psychotherapy, methodological approach in psychotherapy, definition of identity.
The struggle for legal recognition of the education of psychotherapy and an autonomous psychotherapy profession in Europe: Alfred Pritz
The article deals with the following topics: The question of licensing of professional groups; Which methods of psychotherapy can be accepted; Are there specific trainings for specific groups of patients, for example for children and adolescents; Education in private institutes, organizations and at universities; Essential educational contents - the European Certificate for Psychotherapy and similar regulations; The attempts at regulation and actual regulations in the European Union; Previous legal regulations in the European Union.
Love – a lost magical ingredient of effective psychotherapy: Urszula Wojciechowska Jaworska
Love as the essence of the therapeutic relationship: patient – therapist is a healing power. In the preparation for the profession of therapist and, later, for being effective, the main significance is attached to the discovery of love sources, free use of its potential and forwarding it to patients irrespective of the diagnosis they come with.
In a psychotherapeutic office we deal with a quasi-motherly relationship which covers: love, understanding, tenderness, sensitivity, empathy, patience, tolerance.
Neurobiology proves that under the influence of psychotherapy a “living” brain of patients changes and neuronal activity connected with this opens up new possibilities for human’s functioning.
The essence is that a contemporary competent psychotherapist may, through love, affect a tired postmodern human of the “instant” type.
Key words: love, relationship, homo charus, dialogue among neurons, “instant” human.
This article is also published in its Polish mother-tongue.
Book Reviews:
‘The Social Nature of Persons: One Person is No Person’ by A.R. Tom Ormay: Theodor Itten
‘Die strukturale Triade und die Entstehung früher Störungen’ [The Structural Triad and the Origin of Early Disorders] by Herman Lang: Götz Egloff
CURRENT ISSUE: Volume 17, Number 1, Feb. 2013
CURRENT ISSUE: Volume 17: Number 1, Feb. 2013
Editorial: Courtenay Young
An integrative psychotherapeutic model for the treatment of paranoid schizophrenia
Oana-Maria Popescu
Revisiting Andrew Salter: An old wine in a new bottle
Uri Wernik
Can Positive Psychotherapy Meet The Basic Principles Of Effectiveness As Outlined By Dr. Grawe? Reappraised.
Shridhar Sharma
A Case Study of Cognitive-behaviour Therapy in Iran: Treatment of Sexual Masochism along with Co-morbid Disorders in a Collectivist Society
Mohammad Khodayarifard, Alfred Pritz, Sepideh M. Alavi & Yasamin Abedini
Positive Psychology And Neuro-Linguistic Psychotherapy Used For Working With Dysfunctional Families
Barbara Gojżewska
Psychologia Pozytywna I Neurolingwistyczna Psychoterapia W Pracy Z Rodzinami Dysfunkcyjnymi
Barbara Gojżewska
On Psychotherapy Supervision Rising: Supervision Competencies in International Perspective
C. Edward Watkins
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ABSTRACTS:
An integrative psychotherapeutic model for the treatment of paranoid schizophrenia: Oana-Maria Popescu
Abstract: The paper presents a 6-step integrative psychotherapeutic treatment protocol for schizophrenia, within a theoretical framework drawing from CBT, psychodynamic approaches, transactional analysis, Ericksonian therapy and relational psychotherapy, including the use of hypnosis without formal trance induction, whilst actively implicating the therapist in the patient’s inner world. Changing sub-modalities with the use of informal hypnosis could be one of the most important aspects in treating patients with auditory hallucinations by a direct decrease of symptom intensity. The model is based on the assumption that there is a connection between the content of a previous abusive experience and the content of the psychotic symptoms – the stress-vulnerability model.
Key words: schizophrenia, integrative psychotherapy, hypnosis, therapeutic alliance, trauma
Revisiting Andrew Salter: An old wine in a new bottle: Uri Wernik
Abstract: Andrew Salter’s contribution to the current cognitive-behavioral therapies is reviewed. It is noticed that his notions regarding inhibition and disinhibition are supported by later research on temperament. His analysis in terms of the theory of evolution is also up to date. Salter’s technique of ‘feeling talk’, besides the rhetorical element, lacks means of implementation. A case study of treating an inhibited client is presented where a card game of chance is used for this purpose. The promising results are understood in terms of playfulness, paradoxical interventions and chaos theory. It is suggested that the game can be applied to many other problems in living.
Key Words: Andrew Salter, inhibition, feeling talk, chance, playfulness
A theoretical and clinical review of various countertransference algorithms found in treating the Borderline disorder of Self - The Masterson Tradition. (Part 2): Loray Daws
Abstract: The modern psychoanalytic psychotherapist has come to rely on countertransference (CT) as an invaluable source of information in the treatment of the disorders of self. Historically, classical psychoanalytic thinking seemed very aware of its presence, but generally ascribed CT to a sign of lack within the analyst and in need of re-education through further psychoanalysis. Given the initial aims of psychoanalysis as a budding science such a position may have been necessary for the establishment of procedures unaffected by the ‘undesirable’ elements of the analyst- elements that seem to hamper psychoanalysis’s almost surgical ideal. Despite the exorcism- like approach to CT its presence naturally survived and various changes in the field reclaimed its importance within the bipersonal field. Less demonized CT could finally serve as unique communicative tool – as window and mirror, reflecting back and deepening the analytic interface. The current article will attempt on focussing on a Mastersonian approach to CT as found in the treatment of the Borderline Disorder of Self (BDOS). Emphasis will be on the early writings of James F. Masterson and the later contributions of Ralph Klein and the Masterson group.
Keywords: Masterson approach, borderline disorder of self, counter-transference, withdrawing object relations unit, rewarding object relations unit, acting out, therapeutic neutrality, intrapsychic split.
Can Positive Psychotherapy Meet The Basic Principles Of Effectiveness As Outlined By Dr. Grawe? Reappraised: Shridhar Sharma
Abstract: The field of psychotherapy over the years has witnessed some very interesting developments.There is an unusual academic creativity and growth in a number of techniques practiced by Psychotherapists. Hernik (1980) reports that over 250 varieties of psychotherapies were in vogue in 1980 and in 1995, Kazdin reported over 300 types of psychotherapies. In spite of a large number of psychotherapies with varied theories and techniques all therapies have some basic elements which are common to all types of psychotherapies. For instance, all Psychotherapies are primarily centered around communication between the therapist and the patient/client. Again, though different psychotherapies focus on different techniques, all share with each other a reliance upon common underlying factors; notably the instillation of HOPE with a goal of problem resolution leading to arousal of emotions though ventilation/catharsis and related phenomenon to help a person, having emotional problems.
The present paper aims to serve the following objectives;
· To explain the Basic Principles underlying all psychotherapies and their relative usefulness.
· To review Dr. Grawe’s book (1994) outlining Effective Principles of all Psychotherapies.
· To evaluate the principles and practice of Positive Psychotherapy as developed by Peseschkian (1986, 87, 88, 1990), on the effectiveness criteria, as developed by Dr. Grawe (1990, 1994).
A Case Study of Cognitive-behaviour Therapy in Iran: Treatment of Sexual Masochism along with Co-morbid Disorders in a Collectivist Society: Mohammad Khodayarifard, Alfred Pritz, Sepideh M. Alavi & Yasamin Abedini
Abstract: The essential features of Paraphilia include recurrent, intense sexual arousal, fantasies and sexual urges or behavior involving the suffering or humiliation of oneself or one’s partner who can be children, non-consent persons and non-human objects. Sexual masochism disorder is a class of paraphilia, which causes impairment in occupational, social and personal areas of functioning. Masochism disorder may lead to server physical injuries and even death. In addition to drug therapy, research has shown that psychotherapy such as behavior therapy, cognitive therapy (CT) and cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) are effective in the treatment of sexual masochism. The purpose of the present study was to report a successful case of a 35 year-old Iranian male who suffered from his homosexual desires, sexual masochism and co-morbid disorders.
This study was a case study and employed CBT consisting of cognitive reconstruction, behavior analysis, problem solving, relaxation, self-management and positivism. The instruments used in the preset study included BID, MMPI and SCL-90-R. The measures were administrated and interpreted before treatment, after treatment and once a year after the termination of treatment as a follow-up study. The results indicated that CBT not only is an effective approach for treating sexual masochism and co-morbid disorders but also offers some skills to help the subject prevent the relapse of the disorders. The roles of cognitive reconstruction, positivism and altering the subject’s irrational and distorted beliefs about oneself, others and sexual behaviors were also discussed.
Keywords: Cross-cultural psychology; Cognitive-behavior therapy; Sexual masochism; Co-morbidity; Case study; Homosexuality; Collectivism; Paraphilia
Positive Psychology And Neuro-Linguistic Psychotherapy Used For Working With Dysfunctional Families: Barbara Gojżewska
Abstract: The environment of the so-called dysfunctional families is the addressee of psychotherapeutic services within the scope of different programmes carried out by social security institutions. In the period between September and December 2011, there was carried out a training project under the name Work With A Dysfunctional Family, whose important part was the module Procedures and Processes for Reintegration of Families. The article presents the possibility to apply the concept of positive psychology and the approach used in the neuro-linguistic psychotherapy when working with clients included in the above mentioned programmes.
The common feature of the positive psychology and neuro-linguistic psychotherapy is the focus on personal resources, personal engagement in the process of change, focus on correctly formulated target, language as a communication tool and respect for exceptional abilities of the clients. The author describes the process of reintegration of dysfunctional families which takes place under the influence of creation and strengthening of personal resources of parents of children placed in institutional care facilities.
The work with dysfunctional families was preceded by strengthening of the therapists' resources. Strong professional support of a group of persons working with dysfunctional families during supervision resulted in the improvement of the contacts between the personnel and the families involved.
Key words: neuro-linguistic psychotherapy, positive psychology, dysfunctional family, child in institutional care
This article is also published in its Polish mother-tongue.
On Psychotherapy Supervision Rising: Supervision Competencies in International Perspective: C. Edward Watkins
Abstract: In stimulating the development and enhancement of effective psychotherapy skills, the reach and relevance of psychotherapy supervision are being recognized internationally as never before, and some competency-based supervision efforts -- which potentially have blueprint implications globally for supervision practice -- have been set in place. In this brief report, I identify six fundamental areas of psychotherapy supervision competence that appear to now be considered crucial in many corners of the world: (a) knowledge about / understanding of supervision models, methods, and intervention; (b) knowledge about/skill in attending to matters of ethical, legal, and professional concern; (c) knowledge about/skill in managing supervision relationship processes; (d) knowledge about/skill in conducting supervisory assessment and evaluation; (e) knowledge about/skill in fostering attention to difference and diversity; and (f) openness to/utilization of a self-reflective, self-assessment stance in supervision. These six areas seemingly now provide an organisational net that can be used to: (a) structure families of competencies for training purposes; and (b) frame supervision competency discussions worldwide.
Key words: Psychotherapy supervision, supervision competence, international perspective, supervision practice, supervision education
'Freud on Coke’ by David Cohen: Courtenay Young
'Psychische Erkrankungen in Schwangerschaft und Stillzeit' by Anita Riecher-Rössler: Götz Egloff
FORTHCOMING ISSUE: VOL. 17, NO. 2, JULY 2013
FORTHCOMING ISSUE: Volume 17: Number 2, July, 2013
Editorial: Courtenay Young
The social mandate of psychotherapy in media representation: a text analysis of the Italian press
Andrea Caputo
Therapeutic Communities for Psychosis in Europe
Samuele Filomena
Psychotherapist effectiveness and professional competence not affected by their graduate studies profile – preliminary results.
Milena Karlińska-Nehrebecka, Alicja Heyda, Andrzej Nehrebecki, Dagmara Kuczynska-Ginko & Stanisława Kufel
Brak wpływu studiów psychoterapeuty na jego skuteczność i kompetencje zawodowe – wstępne wyniki badań.
Milena Karlińska-Nehrebecka, Alicja Heyda, Andrzej Nehrebecki, Dagmara Kuczynska-Ginko & Stanisława Kufel
The Professional Competencies of a European Psychotherapist: An EAP Project
Courtenay Young, Peter Schulthess, Traudl Szyszkowitx, Renée Oudijks & Ansis Stabingis.
What Matters in Psychotherapy Supervision?Some Crucial Features of International Import
C. Edward Watkins, Jr.
Psychological suffering: What is illness? An interview with Alfred Pritz
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ABSTRACTS:
The social mandate of psychotherapy in media representation: a text analysis of the Italian press: Andrea Caputo
Abstract: This paper aims at exploring the social mandate of psychotherapy in media representation from an analysis of the Italian press. Social mandate refers to the professional function of psychotherapy and forms of demand for it that are socially recognised. For this purpose the Emotional Text Analysis(Carli & Paniccia, 2002) has been conducted on a corpus of 157 articles of the major national newspapers produced in 2010. This methodology allows to detect the emotional and unconscious dimensionsrunning through the text, apart from its intentional structuring. The analysis has identified 5 clusters, called Cultural Repertoires,seen as the main symbolic areas which shape the social mandate of psychotherapy: (1) “scientism” research, (2) moral redemption, (3) individual/context integration, (4) emotional comfort, (5) behaviour correction. Results suggest a development of the social mandate towards a de-medicalisation of the psychotherapeutic intervention, which needs to acquire new theoretical models on the relationship between individual and context.
Keywords: psychotherapy - social representations - social mandate - text analysis - media - cultural models
Therapeutic Communities for Psychosis in Europe: Samuele Filomena
Abstract
In this article, I bring my personal experience of working in a therapeutic community in London, Highams Lodge, part of the Community Housing and Therapy charitable trust, and I link it with other way of working with people with psychosis in Europe. I make a connection between the psychosis and the failure in the development process of growth in the child, and emphasise the importance of working with the families and the use of cognitive programs.
Key Words:Therapeutic community, psychosis, psychoanalytic psychotherapy
Psychotherapist effectiveness and professional competence not affected by their graduate studies profile – preliminary results:
Milena Karlińska-Nehrebecka, Alicja Heyda, Andrzej Nehrebecki, Dagmara Kuczynska-Ginko & Stanisława Kufel
Abstract
Psychotherapists vary in terms of effectiveness and competence, but there has been little research to explore the psychotherapist features which actually contribute to his/her effectiveness and competence. A common opinion prevails both among the professional community and non-professionals that the profile of psychotherapist graduate studies is one of crucial factors. A research has been conducted to verify the assumption that psychotherapists who graduated medical, psychological or pedagogy studies are more effective and competent than other graduates of the humanities or natural sciences.
Brak wpływu studiów psychoterapeuty na jego skuteczność i kompetencje zawodowe – wstępne wyniki badań.
Milena Karlińska-Nehrebecka, Alicja Heyda, Andrzej Nehrebecki, Dagmara Kuczynska-Ginko & Stanisława Kufel
Abstrakt
Psychoterapeuci różnią się skutecznością i kompetencjami, ale niewiele jest badań eksplorujących jakie aspekty psychoterapeuty rzeczywiście przyczyniają się do jego skuteczności i kompetencji. W środowisku zawodowym i pośród laików rozpowszechniony jest pogląd, że kierunek studiów ukończonych przez psychoterapeutę jest jedną z tych determinant. Przeprowadzono badanie mające zweryfikować tezę, że psychoterapeuci którzy ukończyli studia lekarskie, psychologiczne lub pedagogiczne są skuteczniejsi i bardziej kompetentni niż absolwenci innych kierunków humanistycznych czy przyrodniczych.
Próba badawcza i metody: Próba liczyła 235 diad psychoterapeuta-pacjent. Psycho-terapeutami byli studenci Studium Psychoterapii Integratywnej. Przed rozpoczęciem treningu ukończyli oni różne studia na poziomie magisterskim: psychologiczne, pedagogiczne, teologiczne, lekarskie, pielęgniarskie, filologiczne, prawnicze, inne humanistyczne lub w naukach przyrodniczych. Przedmiotem oceny była sesja psychoterapeutyczna. Po zakończeniu sesji pacjent wypełniał skalę ocen, w dotyczącą psychoterapeuty i sesji, m.in. sojuszu, cech „Rogeriańskich”, rozwiązania czy stopnia pomocności. Kompetencje psychoterapeuty oceniane były przez ekspertów w oparciu o skalę ocen dotyczącą kompetencji osobistych i technicznych, na podstawie obserwowalnych kryteriów. Do obliczenia wyników zastosowano metody nieparametryczne (Test U Manna-Whitneya).
Wyniki: hipoteza, że psycholodzy i lekarze i pedagodzy są bardziej efektywni i kompetentni niż psychoterapeuci z którzy ukończyli inne studia humanistyczne lub w naukach przyrodniczych nie została potwierdzona. Tym samym nie znaleziono empirycznych podstaw dla uprzywilejowywania psychologów, lekarzy lub pedagogów w dostępie do kształcenia w zawodzie psychoterapeuty.
słowa kluczowe:zawodowe kompetencje psychoterapeutyczne, psychoterapeuta, efektywność psychoterapii, skala oceny, szkolenie psychoterapeuty
The Professional Competencies of a European Psychotherapist: An EAP Project: Courtenay Young, Peter Schulthess, Traudl Szyszkowitx, Renée Oudijks & Ansis Stabingis.
Abstract
In this article, the Working Group for the EAP Project, summarise the background to, the rationale, and the process and development of the EAP's Project to Establish the Professional Competencies of a European Psychotherapist over the last three to four years and we also outline the rest of the (about 10-year) project.
This article describes the need for, and the development of, a set of professional competencies that are needed for an independent profession of psychotherapy in Europe, for the concept of the free movement of professionals across European countries and to differentiate between the work of a psychotherapist and the overlapping professional work of clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors.
Key Words: Psychotherapy, professional competencies, core competencies, functional competencies, professional standards.
What Matters in Psychotherapy Supervision?Some Crucial Features of International Import: C. Edward Watkins, Jr.
Abstract
In this paper, I consider the question: ‘What matters in psychotherapy supervision?’ Drawing on the ever-expanding body of clinical and empirical supervision literature, I provide a snapshot summary that identifies: (a) ten guiding, abiding supervisor convictions that appear to be fundamental and foundational for good supervision practice; and (b) four features that have come to be regarded as particularly important for creating an optimal supervision space.Whatever the country, culture, race/ethnicity, or other differentiating characteristics of supervisor and supervisee, those ten convictions and four features appear to reign supreme in making supervision count.
Key Words:psychotherapy supervision, supervision alliance, supervision convictions, supervision competence, diversity.
Psychological suffering: What is illness? An interview with Alfred Pritz
Abstract
The new edition of the manual for mental disorders (DSM-V) will arrive in 2013. It categorizes psychological suffering and influences what kind of behavior is considered sick. Alfred Pritz, Rector of the Sigmund-Freud-Private-University Vienna describes, the border between “normality” and “illness” in an interview with Aaron Salzer, from science.ORF.at:
Conference Reports:
Report on the SPR Conference, Porto: October 2012: Milena Karlinska-Nehrebecka
Future Issues
OTHER SUBMITTED ARTICLES: in the process of being reviewed and prepared for publication in:
Volume 17, Number 2, July 2013 &/or Volume 17, Number 3, Nov. 2013
These future issues will be complied from this marvelous selection of already submitted articles. If you would particularly like to review one of these articles, please contact us here.
(Please click on the title to see the abstract of the article)
Therapeutic Communities for Psychosis in Europe
Introductory note: On the history of psychotherapy in Italy
Patients' Needs and Psychotherapy Integration
Beyond Causal Science Towards A Finalistic-Energetic Model Of Bio-Dynamic Integration
An EAP Project to Establish The Professional Competencies of a European Psychotherapist:
Growth Oriented Therapy In The Treatment Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Of A Child
The Return of the Therapeut: R.D. Laing and the Psychotherapy
Flooding and Desensitization in Treating OCD: A Case Study
What Matters in Psychotherapy Supervision? Some Crucial Features of International Import
What can psychotherapy do? Psychotherapy paradigms and sexual orientation
Alexithymia and Emotional Processing as Phenomena pertinent to all Theoretical Orientations
Why do we fail to adapt to a different culture? A development of a therapeutic approach
Psychological suffering: What is illness?
Ultra-Orthodox Rabbis’ Views of Psychotherapy
'Sin Eaters': Psychodynamic Reflections on the Burning Mouth Syndrome
ABSTRACTS:
Therapeutic Communities for Psychosis in Europe
Abstract: In this article, I bring my personal experience of working in a therapeutic community in London, Highams Lodge, part of the Community Housing and Therapy charitable trust, and I link it with other way of working with people with psychosis in Europe. I make a connection between the psychosis and the failure in the development process of growth in the child, and emphasise the importance of working with the families and the use of cognitive programs.
Key Words: Embodied Awareness, Mindfulness, Bioenergetic Analysis, Self Regulation, Interactive Regulation
Psychotherapist effectiveness and professional competence not affected by their graduate studies profile – preliminary results:
Abstract: Psychotherapists vary in terms of effectiveness and competence, but there has been little research to explore the psychotherapist features which actually contribute to his/her effectiveness and competence. A common opinion prevails both among the professional community and non-professionals that the profile of psychotherapist graduate studies is one of crucial factors. A research has been conducted to verify the assumption that psychotherapists who graduated medical, psychological or pedagogy studies are more effective and competent than other graduates of the humanities or natural sciences.
This article will also be published in its Polish mother-tongue.
What Matters in Psychotherapy Supervision? Some Crucial Features of International Import
Abstract: In this paper, I consider the question: What matters in psychotherapy supervision? Drawing on the ever-expanding body of clinical and empirical supervision literature, I provide a snapshot summary that identifies: (a) ten guiding, abiding supervisor convictions that appear to be fundamental and foundational for good supervision practice; and (b) four features that have come to be regarded as particularly important for creating an optimal supervision space.Whatever the country, culture, race/ethnicity, or other differentiating characteristics of supervisor and supervisee, those ten convictions and four features appear to reign supreme in making supervision count.
Key words: psychotherapy supervision, supervision alliance, supervision convictions, supervision, competence, diversity
Introductory note: On the history of psychotherapy in Italy
Abstract: Currently no abstract is available.
This article is also published in its Italian mother-tongue.
An EAP Project to Establish the Professional Competencies of a European Psychotherapist
Abstract: This article describes the need for, and the development of, a set of professional competencies that are needed for an independent profession of psychotherapy in Europe, for the concept of the free movement of professionals across European countries and particularly to differentiate between the work of a psychotherapist and the overlapping professional work of clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors.
Keywords: Core, specific and specialist competencies
Growth Oriented Therapy In The Treatment Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Of A Child
Abstract: Around the age of 7 to 12 years obsessive-compulsive disorder is diagnosed when children feel concerned about fitting in with their friends; discomfort and distress brought on by OCD often make them feel scared, out of control and alone. A 12-year old male child was brought in by his parents. The patient was assessed using Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (both child and parents report). The patient was treated using growth-oriented therapies; humming therapy and non-verbal expressive therapy and attitudinal changes towards sex and life, sex education was also given to him. Parents were also treated using same method because one of the parents had significant OCD features. The child became better and all the symptoms decreased gradually. Follow-up was done around two years later and both the child and parents were reassessed on the same variables. Results reveal very significant improvement in both child and parent.
Keywords: Growth Oriented therapy, humming, non-verbal expressive therapy.
Scientific Research: Prospective study on the implications of psychological factors in triggering breast cancer
Abstract: Researchers have identified things that can increase the risk of breast cancer. But it's not clear why some people who have no risk factors develop cancer, yet other people with risk factors never do. It's likely that breast cancer is caused by a complex combination of the genetic makeup and environment.It is appreciated that about 5-10% of adults cancers are due to genetic causes. Genetic predisposition is responsible for approximately 10% of breast cancers and for 5-10% of breast neoplasma, according to various authors.The strategies based on the inhibition of cancer breast cell initiation suffers of lack of information regarding critical initiation factors of breast carcino-genesis and difficulty to identify the moment of exposures.
Because the transition tumour process, including the promotion, is having place on a long time period , there is a large opening of the opportune-nesses for the successfully application of the strategies intended towards this, comparing to the strategies which prevent the initiation.
Counselling in the diagnosis crises moment, of a crucial meaning, could have good results regarding the development of this crises moment, even potential psychotherapeutical effects beyond this event limits. Studies show that during the diagnosis phase, the communication quality with the environment influences decisively the mental state of the breast cancer patients. The conservatory intervention management necessitates the cooperation between various professionals. Recuperation actions for the breast cancer patients have as an object the improving of life quality during the survival period.
Breast cancer patients survival is a process of life cycle progress, beginning from the diagnosis and so on, on the whole following period, copping with the cancer stress.
Keywords: cancer; genetic predisposition; risk factors;endocrine glands factors;prevention; intervention; recuperation
Introductory note: The Return of the Therapeut: R.D. Laing and the Psychotherapist
Abstract: Currently there is no Abstract & Keywords
Patient’s needs and psychotherapy integration
Abstract: Patient’s needs are a very important issue in psychotherapy and may lead to a specific therapeutic strategy. Some psychotherapeutic approaches are at risk to underestimate that, emphasizing techniques or theoretical framework. Prof. Zapparoli proposed a brief, focal and integrated psychotherapeutic approach that is founded on patient’s need and is summarized in this article.
Keywords: Currently there are no keywords.
Flooding and Desensitization in Treating OCD: A Case Study
Abstract: In the treatment of phobias and OCD, live exposure (in vivo) to the phobic stimulus is the most essential and effective intervention and may be performed in several ways-either by flooding or systematic desensitization. Whether counter-conditioning (systematic desensitization) or extinction (flooding) is the most effective treatment intervention would depend on the type of patient and the disorder to be treated. An alternate suggestion is to expose the phobic patient to the two aforementioned treatment interventions in the treatment sessions by co-therapists working in tandem. Below is presented the brief successful treatment of a woman who suffered from a severe obsessive-compulsive disorder using the above approach.
Key Words: Phobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Dialectical Co-therapy, Flooding, Desensitization.
Beyond Causal Science Towards A Finalistic-Energetic Model Of Bio-Dynamic Integration
Abstract: The idea of life force, the energy that maintains every living organism healthy, the ancient vis medicatrix naturae, also present in the mineral world although in different form, is still considered ‘quaint’ by many in the field of medical science as well as by lay people. I am going beyond the fact that throughout history man has owned and used this life force, this primary universal and subtle energy (in the ancient medicine of all times and places), for hunting, healing, orientation and survival in rough and difficult areas and that this has enabled his evolution.
Keywords: Currently there are no keywords.
Incorporating Evidence-Based Practices into Psychotherapy Training in Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Programs in the United States
Abstract: The movement towards training and practicing empirically supported treatments (ESTs) has stirred significant controversy within the field of psychology. Considering the powerful influence that clinical psychology training programs have in shaping their students’ theoretical orientations, career pursuits, and attitudes toward the science-practice divide, there has been little research on how these programs have been responding to the evidence-based practice movement. This study investigates whether training programs’ geographic region and level of research emphasis were associated with offering gold-standard training (i.e., both didactic course and supervised practicum) in ESTs. Associations between a program’s perceived obstacles and advantages to the incorporation of ESTs and their likelihood of offering gold-standard training were also assessed. Contrary to our hypothesis, results showed no association between research emphasis and the incorporation of ESTs into training. Programs in the Northeast and West offered the gold standard training in a greater number of ESTs than did schools in the South and Midwest. Programs in the Northeast and the South were more research-oriented than programs in the Midwest. Implications for future research and limitations are discussed.
Key words: evidence-based practice; empirically supported treatments; psychotherapy training; clinical psychology Ph.D. programs
Bonding Psychotherapy: an effective group psychotherapy method to improve dysfunctional attachment styles
Abstract: Bonding Psychotherapy is an intensive form of group therapy. The theory, method and the research results of Bonding Psychotherapy are described in this article. Bonding is the process of becoming emotionally open and physically close to another person. Exercises with other group members help to experience and fulfil the need for bonding.
During these exercises intense emotions surface that are linked to past painful experiences. With the described method, trust in others is increased and negative attitudes concerning oneself in relation to others become more positive. These are emotionally corrective experiences.
The ultimate goal of Bonding Psychotherapy is to increase the ability to fulfil the bio-social basic needs, to enter into positive relationships and to enjoy life. In order to maintain valuable relationships, a secure form of attachment is needed. This can be achieved by learning to experience closeness in the group as safe and to change dysfunctional attitudes about one self in relation to others into positive attitudes.
An overview of the research results is given and these are surprisingly good.
Keywords: Currently there are no keywords.
What can psychotherapy do? Psychotherapy paradigms and sexual orientation
Abstract: Homosexuality and same-sex attraction have vexed the psychotherapy field throughout its history and continue to draw controversy in the 21st century. Debates and arguments about the mental health of gay, lesbian and bisexual people mirrored and dwelled within the tremendous tensions that exist in society around this subject. The author examines the troubled relationship of psychotherapy theory and practice with gender and sexual orientation. Psychotherapy ideas, while revolutionizing the understanding of human functioning in the 20th century, blindly incorporated many common western cultural values but also a Christian-Judaic premise that procreative sex was normative. The ensuing conjecture of hetero-normativity created a conceptual bias about homosexuality's supposed pathological nature and left psychotherapy with a toxic legacy.
Keywords: Currently there are no keywords.
Alexithymia and Emotional Processing as Phenomena pertinent to all Theoretical Orientations
Abstract: In this article we propose that the characteristics associated with the concept of alexithymia reflect deficits in emotional processing. These deficits include difficulties with emotional regulation as well as emotional awareness, experiencing, and the expression and differentiation of emotional experience. We propose that the analyses of specific processes underlying alexithymia may highlight a more adequate therapeutic approach.
Keywords: Alexithymia, Emotional Processing, Emotional Differentiation, Emotional Regulation.
Why do we fail to adapt to a different culture? A development of a therapeutic approach
Abstract: The aim of this study is to bring more understanding to the problems immigrants face and develop a therapeutic approach based on positive psychotherapy (PP). Three groups of immigrants are formed based on the reason people migrate: work, contact, future. By the means of qualitative analysis the problematic of the groups is highlighted. The developed therapeutic approach is presented by going through the process of psychological intervention and discuss the psychodynamic of the problems and most often used PP tools. This includes the following therapy steps: observation, inventory, situational encouragement, verbalisation, and broadening of the goals. The results show both similarities and differences between the groups. In 75% of the cases the duration of the therapy was reaching 23 sessions. In 66.7% of the cases the symptoms disappeared completely and the rest of the cases, they diminished dramatically.
Due to the fact that positive psychotherapy (PP) presents a trans-cultural framework in which different methods can work and cooperate together, the research presented in this paper is of interest to psychotherapists, counsellors, and psychiatrists regardless of their psychotherapy training. Furthermore, some ideas on application for prevention purposes are presented.
Keywords: positive psychotherapy, trans-cultural adaptation problems, qualitative
Psychological suffering: What is illness?
Abstract: The new edition of the manual for mental disorders (DSM-V) will arrive in 2013. It categorizes psychological suffering and influences what kind of behavior is considered sick. Alfred Pritz, rector of the Sigmund-Freud-Private-University Vienna describes, the border between “normality” and “illness” in an interview with Aaron Salzer, from science.ORF.at
Reflections about the perception of therapeutic environment in clients and therapists: the importance of the 5th session
Abstract: The present exploratory study intended to investigate: a)whether therapist’s and client’s perceptions of the therapeutic environment change throughout the therapy, b) if there is a relationship between the therapist’s and the client’s perceptions of the therapeutic environment and how they are related throughout the therapeutic process, c) if there is a relationship between how the client perceive the therapeutic environment and the measures of CORE-OM, andd) if there are significant differences between the group of clients who drop-out from therapy and those who continue, in what concerns their perceptions of the therapeutic environment. To achieve these proposes,thirty-nine dyads of therapists and clients from the Northern Region of Portugal, have participated in this study. The Modified Health Care Climate Questionnaire and The CORE-OM were usedin four moments of therapy, more specifically in 1st, 3rd, 5th and 8th session. No significant differences were found regarding clients’ and therapists’ perceptions of the therapeutic environment across the different sessions. Likewise, there were no significant correlations between how therapist’s and client’s perceive the therapeutic environment throughout the therapeutic process. However, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between how the clients perceive the therapeutic environment and their subjective well-being in 5th session (assessed by CORE-OM), suggesting that 5th session seems to be an important moment in therapy Furthermore, no significant differences were found between the group of clients who drop-out from therapy and those who continue, relating to their perceptions of the therapeutic environment.
Keywords: Therapeutic environment, autonomy support, dyads, psychotherapy
Ultra-Orthodox Rabbis' Views of Psychotherapy
Abstract: The attitude of ultra-orthodox (haredi) rabbis toward mental health practitioners and psychological treatment varies from outright hostility and distrust to respect and cooperation. This brief paper presents the “therapist-friendly” views and attitudes of prominent contemporary ultra-orthodox rabbis and encourages greater understanding, communication and cooperation between clergymen and clinicians. The paper also presents several charming anecdotes of the effective, creative, one-time interventions of sages in providing psychological aid to distressed people in need of help.
Key Words: Ultra-orthodox, haredi, psychotherapy, therapist-friendly.
'Sin Eaters: Psychodynamic Reflections on the Burning Mouth Syndrome
Abstract: The Burning Mouth syndrome has remained an elusive psychosomatic disorder characterized by persistent oral pain usually evoked in late adulthood by various psychological strains. Depressive masochistic in nature BMS patient struggle with the intrapsychic consequences of a failed separation-individuation process due to the internalization of a seraph-like maternal imago. The internalization of such an object ensures either dependent or counter-dependent adaptations that actively work against the articulation of an autonomous and spontaneous self. BMS patients are thus left struggling with an ‘abandonment depression’ throughout life.
Keywords: Burning Mouth Syndrome, Sin eaters, psychosomatic, character structure, depressive masochistic, abandonment depression, Rorschach.
Heroic Clients & Masterful Therapists: The Meeting of Client-directed, Outcome-Informed Therapy and NLP Change Work
Abstract: This paper discusses how integrating Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Therapy practices into a client-directed, outcome-informed (CDIO) therapy framework best ensures the NLP model for therapy aligns with factors known to contribute to good clinical outcomes. Further the paper explores the elements of a client-directed approach that includes enhancing common factors, using the client’s theory of change to guide intervention, where the client is on the cycle of change with regard to motivation and readiness for therapy and seeking explicit client feedback on a session to session basis. Pertinent to the whole discussion is the suggestion that NLP Practitioners better recognise the client as the greatest contributor to good outcomes and become more client focused and less technique driven. Such a reorientation helps us privilege the Heroic Client alongside our ideas of the Masterful Therapist.
Key Words: NLP Therapy, Client-directed, Client’s Theory of Change, Common Factors
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